17 doctors refuse bond postings in state hosps | Kolkata News

Kolkata: Days after 930 senior resident doctors were given postings at various govt hospitals in the state, 17 have refused to join. They were allowed to exit the bond that made three years of posting mandatory at govt facilities, sources said. Health department sources fear more doctors may quit. For exiting the bond, the senior resident doctors are needed to deposit a penalty, sources added. The guideline for such postings were changed this time, sources said. Emphasis was laid on counselling based on merit previously. Service in a medical college was also mandatory in the first year. Doctors have alleged that these norms were not followed this year.“Every year, a few senior resident doctors skip such posting in the first year. Such doctors are generally residents of other states. This time, however, the doctors, who have opted out of the bond, are from the state,” a source in the department explained.According to the norms, medical post graduates must serve their residency in the govt facilities for two to three years after completion of their course. If they don’t want to join, they need to give Rs 10 lakh for each year. “Many of the doctors are posted in districts. Facilities there often lack infrastructure and they aren’t able to use their specialities,” general surgery professor, Manas Gupta, said. He also pointed out at many look forward to get into academics later. In such a case, the first year posting at medical college turns crucial. It helps them to apply for teaching later. “The new guideline doesn’t have proper planning. If this continues, the healthcare services can get affected,” said physician, Sajal Biswas.